Beall and I am are at a season in our parenting when “firsts” seem to be on the increase exponentially. Two weeks ago, my four oldest children began violin lessons for the first time. The other day, our daughter Liberty rode a bike without training wheels for the first time. She was so thrilled. Today was the first day that my youngest son, Honor, sat on his own in a swing and had his daddy push him. This same day, both of my older boys received their first baseball mits, which we broke in during an afternoon of recreation at the park. Each of these events, though seemingly small, are landmark in my mind. Later, my son pointed out for the first time that his height had finally reached my shoulders. Each “first” marks a new step in the progress of life for the souls God has entrusted to me. Each event is a memory to be treasured, discussed, and chronicled. But this will never happen unless we stop, observe, savor, and rejoice in the progress of the life of our little ones.
Another first for me is my participation this year as a keynote at the Knoxville ATIA conference. I look forward to delivering some messages on honor, ethics, and life preperation on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. I do appreciate your prayers for our travel and ministry.